94 photos of Ryan Smyth's NHL career

Ryan Smyth smiles as he puts on an Edmonton Oilers jersey after being selected 6th overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

1995 World Junior Team Canada goalie Jamie Storr (left) and forward Ryan Smyth let everyone know that team Canada was going to be #1 on January 2, 1995. The 1995 junior team went on to win the gold medal in Red Deer on January 4, 1995. The gold medal victory was the third of five straight gold medal wins for the junior team between 1993 and 1997. EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

1995 World Junior Team Canada forward Ryan Smyth celebrates a goal against Team Germany on December 27, 1994, Canada won the game 9 to 1. The 1995 Team Canada junior team went on to win the gold medal in Red Deer on Wednesday, January 4, 1995. The gold medal victory was the third of five straight gold medal wins for the junior team between 1993 and 1997. EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

Jan 20, 1998. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is helped by Athletic Trainer/Therapist Ken Lowe after being injured during an NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Oilers won the game 6-2. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Feb. 24, 2002. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth and Executive Director of Canada's 2002 Men's Olympic hockey team and Oilers great, Wayne Gretzky, pose for a photo at the gold medal after party in Salt Lake City on Feb. 24, 2002. It was the first gold medal for Canada in men's hockey at the Olympic in 50 years. Canada. Ryan Smyth Family Photo

Ryan Smyth Family Photo

Edmonton Alta, Nov 22, 2003. Edmonton Oilers Fernando Pisani is tripped by Montreal Canadiens Andreas Dackell as Oilers assistant captain Ryan Smyth follows up on the play during the first period of the 2003 Heritage Classic, the NHL�s first-ever outdoor game. The Canadiens won the game 4-3 in front of 57,167 fans. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MAY 9, 2004. Team Canada captain and Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth holds up his team's trophy after winning the finals against Sweden at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship finals May 9, 2004 in Prague, Czech Republic. Canada won 5-3. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Getty Images

March 26, 2004. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth (right) is checked into the boards by Los Angeles Kings Luc Robitaille during second period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta, Friday March 26, 2004. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

March 10, 2004. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth tries a wrap-a-round on Colorado Avalanche goalie David Aebischer during second period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., Wednesday March 10, 2004. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 4, 2004. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth tips the puck into the goal against the St. Louis Blues during third period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday February 4, 2004. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 4, 2004. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth celebrates after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during third period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday February 4, 2004. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

December 14, 2005. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth (centre) looks for the rebound in front of Montreal Canadiens goalie Jose Theodore (left) as Canadiens Andrei Markov (right) defends during second period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday December 14, 2005. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 4, 2005. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth (right) looks for the puck in front of Vancouver Canucks goalie Alex Auld during first period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday February 4, 2005. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 2, 2005. Columbus Blue Jackets Adam Foote (top) falls over goalie Marc Denis as Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth looks for the puck during third period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday February 2, 2005. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 4, 2005. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth (left) is checked by Vancouver Canucks Kevin Bieksa (right) as he looks for the puck in front of goalie Alex Auld during first period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday February 4, 2005. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 24, 2005. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth shakes hands with Ty Conklin as he sits dejected in his locker room stall. Conklin has been demoted to the minors Monday morning at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Oct.24, 2005. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 19, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth leaves the ice after losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., on Monday June 19, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 19, 2006. Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton native Ray Whitney consoles Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth after defeating the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup in game 7 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., on Monday June 19, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 19, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is checked by Carolina Hurricanes Frantisek Kaberle in front of Cam Ward during the second period in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., on Monday June 19, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 10, 2006. Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Smyth celebrates with teammates Shawn Horcoff and Steve Staois after scoring the game-winning-goal against the Carolina Hurricanes' during the third period in game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday June 10, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 17, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Fernando Pisani (right), Ryan Smyth and Jaroslav Spacek celebrate after Pisani scored against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday June 17, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 12, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth celebrates Fernando Pisani's goal as Carolina Hurricanes Aaron Ward (4) looks on during second period game six action of the Stanley Cup Finals at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday June 17, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 12, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is hit by Carolina Hurricanes Eric Staal during third period game four action of the Stanley Cup Finals at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday June 12, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 12, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is hit by Carolina Hurricanes Bret Hedican during first period game four action of the Stanley Cup Finals at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday June 12, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 12, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth, sneaks under Carolina Hurricanes Mike Commodore, during first period game four action of the Stanley Cup Finals at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday June 12, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 12, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth battles for the puck with Carolina Hurricanes Craig Adams during first period game four action of the Stanley Cup Finals at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday June 12, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 6, 2006. Don Cherry (right) gives Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth the thumbs up during a team practice at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., on Tuesday June 6, 2006. The Oilers face the Carolina Hurricanes in game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 7, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth can't get the puck past Carolina Hurricanes Cam Ward during the third period in game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday June 7, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

June 11, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth smiles as members of the media ask him about his game-winning-goal in game 3 following a team meeting and optional skate at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday June 11, 2006. The Oilers face the Carolina Hurricanes in game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

May 12, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth celebrates teammate Ales Hemsky's goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period in game 4 of their NHL western conference semifinal playoff series at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday May 12, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

May 10, 2006. Edmonton Oilers trainer Sparky Kulchisky carries Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Smyth's teeth after he was hit during the second period in game 3 of their NHL western conference semifinal playoff series at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday May 10, 2006. Smyth returned to the game. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

May 10, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is stopped by San Jose Sharks netminder Vesa Toskala during first period game three action of the second-round of playoffs at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday May 10, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

April 25, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period in game 3 of their first-round NHL playoff series at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday April 25, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

May 1, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth (left) consoles Detroit Red Wings Steve Yzerman as they shake hands, after the Wings lost 4-3 to the Edmonton Oilers in game 6 and lost series 4 games to 2 in their first-round NHL playoff series at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday May 1, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

April 25, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth crashes into Detroit Red Wings goalie Manny Legace drawing a penalty during the second period in game 3 of their first-round NHL playoff series at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday April 25, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

December 2, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth hits the boards and breaks his right thumb while colliding with Columbus Blue Jackets Rostislav Klesla during first period action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday December 2, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

November 1, 2006. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth tries to wrap around on Nashville Predators netminder Chris Mason during third period action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday November 1, 2006. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

November 26, 2006. Lucas Moger, 1, is greeted by Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth as he's held by his grandfather Albert Credgeur during the Oilers Superskills competition at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday November 26, 2006. The Oilers were joined on the ice by the Vermilion Rotary Pee Wee Tigers for the event. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 28, 2007. Former Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth arrives at the Edmonton International Airport departures level on Wednesday February 28, 2007. Smyth was traded to the New York Islanders at the deadline of the NHL trade deadline. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 28, 2007. Former Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth cries as says his goodbyes during a press conference at the Edmonton International Airport departures level Wednesday February 28, 2007. He was traded to the New York Islanders at the deadline of the NHL trade deadline. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 28, 2007. Former Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth cries as waves goodbye at the Edmonton International Airport departures level Wednesday February 28, 2007. He was traded to the New York Islanders at the deadline of the NHL trade deadline. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 28, 2007. Former Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth cries as he walks with his wife Stacey Smyth as they arrive for his final goodbye press conference at the Edmonton International Airport departures level Wednesday February 28, 2007. He was traded to the New York Islanders at the deadline of the NHL trade deadline. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

January 26, 2007. Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Smyth looks on during a break in play against the San Jose Sharks during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday January 26, 2007. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

January 31, 2007. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth scores a goal on the Columbus Blue Jackets during first period action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday January 31, 2007. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 24, 2008. Edmonton Oilers Ethan Moreau (left) wraps up Colorado Avalanche Ryan Smyth during the third period of NHL play at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday February 24, 2008. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

November 22, 2007. Edmonton Oilers Jarret Stoll (16) checks Colorado Avalanche and ex-Oiler Ryan Smyth during the first period of NHL play at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday November 22, 2007. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Nov 15, 2008 Edmonton Oilers Dwayne Roloson is knocked over by Colorado Avalanche Ryan Smyth during first period action at Rexall Place in Edmonton on Saturday November 15, 2008. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 23, 2007. Colorado Avalanche's and ex-Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth salutes the crowd as he's honoured prior to his game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday October 23, 2007. His first trip back to Edmonton after being traded on the deadline to the New York Islanders. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 23, 2007. Colorado Avalanche's and ex-Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth cries as he is saluted by the crowd prior to his game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday October 23, 2007. His first trip back to Edmonton after being traded on the deadline to the New York Islanders. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 23, 2007. Colorado Avalanche's and ex-Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is saluted by the crowd as he's honoured prior to his game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday October 23, 2007. His first trip back to Edmonton after being traded on the deadline to the New York Islanders. Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

LA Kings Ryan Smyth skates during the orientation camp for Canada's Men's 2010 Olympic hockey team held at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alta., Aug. 25, 2009. Smyth did not make the final roster. Jim Wells/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Dec. 21, 2011. Erika Niessen and her daughter Lauren Niessen, 6 months-old from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, get an autograph from Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth at the Stollery Children's Hospital on Wednesday Dec. 21, 2011. Lauren is at the hospital recovering from heart surgery. Members of the Oilers visited several Edmonton area hospitals on Wednesday. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

November 19, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth collides with Chicago Blackhawks John Scott during third period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday, November 19, 2011. The Oilers won 9-2. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

November 17, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is shoved into the goalie by Ottawa Senators Jared Cowen during the Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators at Rexall Place in Edmonton on Thursday, November 17, 2011. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 9, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth gets some support from fans as he faces off against the Pittsburgh Penguins Ben Lovejoy during first period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 20, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth during warm up before playing the Calgary Flames in NHL hockey in Calgary, Alberta, on Thursday October 20, 2011. Al Charest/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Al Charest/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Sept 17, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth works out with weights during the first day of NHL training camp at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Sept 17, 2011. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

July 5, 2011. Ryan Smyth signs autographs for fans after addressing the media about his return to the Edmonton Oilers at Lux Steakhouse in Edmonton, Alberta on July 5, 2011. Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

July 5, 2011. Edmonton Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini and Ryan Smyth after addressing the media about his return to the Edmonton Oilers team on July 5, 2011. Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Dec. 21, 2011. Erika Niessen and her daughter Lauren Niessen, 6 months-old from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, get an autograph from Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth at the Stollery Children's Hospital on Wednesday Dec. 21, 2011. Lauren is at the hospital recovering from heart surgery. Members of the Oilers visited several Edmonton area hospitals on Wednesday. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

November 19, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth collides with Chicago Blackhawks John Scott during third period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday, November 19, 2011. The Oilers won 9-2. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

November 17, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is shoved into the goalie by Ottawa Senators Jared Cowen during the Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators at Rexall Place in Edmonton on Thursday, November 17, 2011. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 9, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth gets some support from fans as he faces off against the Pittsburgh Penguins Ben Lovejoy during first period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

October 20, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth during warm up before playing the Calgary Flames in NHL hockey in Calgary, Alberta, on Thursday October 20, 2011. Al Charest/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Al Charest/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Sept 17, 2011. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth works out with weights during the first day of NHL training camp at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Sept 17, 2011. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

July 5, 2011. Ryan Smyth signs autographs for fans after addressing the media about his return to the Edmonton Oilers at Lux Steakhouse in Edmonton, Alberta on July 5, 2011. Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

July 5, 2011. Edmonton Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini and Ryan Smyth after addressing the media about his return to the Edmonton Oilers team on July 5, 2011. Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Dan Speer/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

March 16, 2012. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth shares the net with Calgary Flames goaltender Leland Irving during the second period of their NHL hockey game at Rexall Place in Edmonton on Friday, March 16, 2012.Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 19, 2012. Edmonton's Ryan Smyth celebrates Shawn Horcoff's goal on Vancouver's goalie Cory Schneider during the second period of the Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place in Edmonton on Sunday, February 19, 2012. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

January 10, 2012. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth is tripped up by New Jersey Devils Anton Volchenkov during the second period of the Edmonton Oilers' NHL hockey game at Rexall Place in Edmonton on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

September 21, 2012. Edmonton Oilers Eric Belanger (left) speaks to the media beside Ryan Smyth (far right) and other Oilers during an Alberta Labour Relations Board session on a lunch-break in Edmonton, Alberta on September 21, 2012. Representatives from the NHLPA and the NHL, along with hockey players from the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames met to argue the terms of their recent lockout. /Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

March 22, 2013. Ryan Smyth holds two-month-old Kaylee Gladue as mom Candace (same last name) takes a photo during an Edmonton Oilers visit to sick children at the Stollery in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday, March 22, 2013. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Jan 23, 2013. Left to right, Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth, Nick Shultz, Jordan Eberle, Shawn Horcoff, and Taylor Hall attended city council meetings regarding the final funding for the new downtown arena. The Katz Group and the City of Edmonton came to terms on the downtown arena at City Hall in Edmonton, Alberta on Jan 23, 2013. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun QMI Agency

Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

February 21, 2013. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth scores the Oilers first goal against the Minnesota Wild during their game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on Thursday, February 21, 2013. Perry Nelson/Edmonton Sun//Qmi Agency

Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

January 12, 2013. Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Ralph Krueger gives some instructions to Ryan Smyth during drills. Edmonton Oilers are now going through training camp at Rexall Place in Edmonton, AB., on January 17, 2013. A new CBA was ratified on January 12, 2013. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/Qmi Agency

Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Jan. 13, 2013. Edmonton Oilers Ryan Smyth celebrates a goal during a pond hockey game at Hawrelak Park in Edmonton, Alta. on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. The event was open to fans, free of charge. A new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was ratified between the players and owners on January 12, 2013. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI

Edmonton forward Ryan Smyth (94) is stopped by Vancouver goaltender Jacob Markstrom (35) during the second period of an NHL game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 12, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

IAN KUCERAK/EDMONTON SUN QMI AGE

Edmonton forward Ryan Smyth (94) tosses pucks into the crowd at the end of warmup on his last game as an Oiler before an NHL game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 12, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

IAN KUCERAK/EDMONTON SUN QMI AGE

Edmonton forward Ryan Smyth (94) and his five-year-old son Alex are introduced before the first period of an NHL game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 12, 2013. It was Smyth's last night as an Oiler. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

IAN KUCERAK/EDMONTON SUN QMI AGE

Edmonton forward Ryan Smyth (94) waves to the crowd after his last game as an Edmonton Oiler at the end of an NHL game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 12, 2013. The Oilers won 5-2. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

The Edmonton Oilers ought to give Ryan Smyth an extra year’s salary for doing what he did for the franchise Saturday.

By allowing himself to be talked in to having a goodbye game instead of going through the summer to see what might be out there in free agency, Smyth gave the Oilers as great a gift as could be given at a time when they needed it the most.

Smyth’s night sent the fans home feeling good about being Oilers fans.

Their outpouring of love to Smytty showed the other players what the environment could be like in Edmonton.

And most of all it sent the core group of young players forward to the future motivated to have the kind of career which could produce a night like that at the end of their careers. And to do it right here in Edmonton.

All of that is priceless.

Walking into Rexall Place with Smyth Sunday morning, I was struck by the thought that no Oiler had ever experienced a night like that here before.

Not one player had a goodbye game before.

Banner-raisers, yes.

But not a going away game.

And the thought about having the kind of a career here to give themselves the same kind of an experience was the theme of the day as the Oilers did their exit interviews.

“We spoke about it this morning,” said coach Dallas Eakins.

“We had a team meeting and talked about a lot of things. But that was the one. I think it opened up all of our eyes.

“We saw what it can be like in a positive environment. And it’s up to us to create that positive environment.

“Ryan Smyth, because of his career and emulating what this city is about, created his own environment. It gives me goose bumps thinking about it right now. And for our players who will still be here next year, it’s important to know if we create the environment, that’s what you’re going to get. Not just when you win the Stanley Cup. You’re going to get it every night, I think.

“We spoke about that. ‘What’s your legacy going to be here?’ And it’s something to quietly reflect upon over the next few weeks. ‘How are we going to get a plan in place so we can create that environment? Not only for our team but for ourselves, too.

“To me, it was a great reminder how important my job is. It’s so important to the city.

“I guess the best way to put it is this: You see what went on last night and you see how positive it can be and how alive this city can be. And there was no negativity. There was nothing with respect for where we were at, out of the playoffs. We’re in the 28th spot.

“After working in two Canadian markets, Toronto and Edmonton, I can’t imagine working in a market where the heat’s not on. You guys travel. You can see some people in the stands and some people who understand the game. And maybe there’s a little bit of coverage. But boy there is not the passion of the city, the passion of the fans and the market that goes with it.

“Some players and some staff don’t want to be in that. They go looking for the softer market or the nicer weather or the easier life. And then there’s players and staff who go looking for the tougher job. I found out this year I enjoy being in it and I know how much enjoyment there’s going to be when we get this thing pointed in the right direction.

“Saturday night was a reminder how important the Edmonton Oilers success is to this great city. And it starts with me. And right behind me are these players.”

By ‘these players’ he meant the eight or nine who will be here to go into the new building two years from now.

Taylor Hall, with 27 goals and 80 points in 75 games, sat tied for sixth and the top left winger in NHL scoring going into Sunday’s final games. He was influenced by the night as much as any of them and spoke from the heart.

“You look at Smytty and you look at his legacy and you can’t help but think. With the contract I signed, I want to be here. And you can’t help but think that could be you some day,” said the 22-year-old.

“To play your whole career here would be the way to do it for sure. He loved being an Oiler, he loved being an Edmontonian. I think it’s fitting that he came back for the last three years and I think it’s fitting that he got such a good send off.”

Jordan Eberle sat 29th with 28 goals and 65 points going into Sunday and said having a night like that at the end of his career is something he would very much want.

“Absolutely. Look at the fans and the support they’ve given him. For me it was just to see how amazing this city could be if we had a winning team. If we were in a playoff push with the support you get behind you, it would be amazing,” said the 23 year old.

Celebrating his 21st birthday on the last day of the season Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his 19th goal of the season and finished with 56 points and said he definitely felt that way in every way.

Justin Schultz, 23, who came on in a big way late in the season and provided 11 goals and 33 points as Edmonton’s top defenceman, said he thought about it all night.

“I think everyone of us wants to have that at the end of their career.”

David Perron, who had a career year at age 25 with 28 goals and a uniform number matching 57 points, said it wasn’t lost on anybody.

“It’s going to be pretty hard for everyone to do it but you could tell the atmosphere they wanted to give for Smytty even though it was a tough season for us.

“They kind of showed us a little bit of what it could be.

“It’s funny. In the afternoon before the game I couldn’t sleep because I was thinking about Smytty. I was excited and sad. All kinds of different emotions for him. I was looking up videos on YouTube and I ended up on 2006 and the national anthem in the playoffs. And, man. It was unbelievable.

“This was the first taste of it for me personally. That’s something we have to remember from the get go next year. The only other time I witnessed anything similar it was with Keith Tkachuk in St. Louis. I actually played on his line in that game, too. He had a very special career as well. But I think it was to a whole new level up here in Canada for Smytty.

“I think he’s a living legend. I told him that earlier in the year. We were walking in Times Square in New York and there were five or six people within a half an hour that recognized him.”

It’s something to think how a great part of Ryan Smyth’s legacy could come from his last day on the job.

“I was 1:38 a.m. when I took that jersey off and it was a sad moment,” said Smyth. “In the locker room last night all the guys stuck around, the wives, the girl friends and a few families.”

Smytty didn’t think about becoming the only Oiler ever to experience this or about it becoming his going away gift to the franchise and his team-mates. But he did think about it being the right thing to do.

“It was the right thing to do for the fans with what they’ve done for me, how they’ve treated me. It was ‘Do I do it now or do I do it later?’”

Doing it now was the right thing to do. For everybody in the building. On the ice. And off.

Jones: Ryan Smyth could leave a legacy for young Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers ought to give Ryan Smyth an extra year’s salary for doing what he did for the franchise Saturday.

By allowing himself to be talked in to having a goodbye game instead of going through the summer to see what might be out there in free agency, Smyth gave the Oilers as great a gift as could be given at a time when they needed it the most.

Smyth’s night sent the fans home feeling good about being Oilers fans.

Their outpouring of love to Smytty showed the other players what the environment could be like in Edmonton.

And most of all it sent the core group of young players forward to the future motivated to have the kind of career which could produce a night like that at the end of their careers. And to do it right here in Edmonton.

All of that is priceless.

Walking into Rexall Place with Smyth Sunday morning, I was struck by the thought that no Oiler had ever experienced a night like that here before.